The second annual National Poetry Month returns to Shawano County Library in April. Shawano County Library has several activities planned during the month, including the following: • Online poetry readings on Mondays and Thursdays on the library’s Facebook page. • An in-person poetry reading on April 28 at 2 p.m. at the Shawano Public Library, 128 S. Sawyer St., Shawano.

An Oconto Falls native has earned his commission as a nuclear limited duty officer while serving aboard Commander, Submarine Squadron Fifteen. Ensign Michael Bartha joined the U.S. Navy 10 years ago. “I joined the Navy for the ability to be a part of something bigger, all while being able to travel and see the world,” said Bartha.

The Oconto County Fairest of the Fair Committee has announced that applications for the 2022 Fairest of the Fair are currently being accepted. Applications will be accepted through April 1. Applications and contest rules can be found on the Oconto County’s website and Facebook page. Residents of Oconto County who will be age 18 on Jan. 1, 2023, are eligible to apply for this competition. The competition will be held at 1 p.m.

The Oconto Falls City Council has given the go-ahead for the annual Music by the River series of concerts at East Side Beach. Gail Yatso, president of the Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, told the council March 8 that the organization has again made arrangements to rent the Copperfest trailer for the sunset concert series, which runs 6-9 p.m.

Many falls can be prevented, and a new three-week program, “Age Well Without Falls,” can empower older women and men to reduce falls at home and in the community. The classes will be held Tuesdays, beginning May 10, from 6-8 p.m. in the activity room at Serenity Gardens, 146 N. Francis St., Gillett. Participants will learn with a small group of their peers and the class is interactive, discussing topics from A to Z.

The next American Legion Post 44 Gunless Poultry Shoot will take place at 1 p.m. March 26 at Rusty’s Bowl, 4489 N. Branch St., Wabeno. The post will be raffling off packages of meat, poultry, sausages, bacon, beverages and items donated by local businesses. There will also be 50/50 raffles.